Mean what you say? Clarity of message? Perhaps the question should be, do you listen to what you say? If you heard you, would the message be clear and understandable? Honestly… what’s more important to you – the message or your recognition? If the message isn’t the focus, emphasis then why bother getting upset when you’re not understood? Do not forget that you need to present the message in the frame of reference of your listeners.
You always need to be aware of what you say and how you say it. Scripture tells us:
“But let your statement be, ‘Yes, yes’ or ‘No, no’ [a firm yes or no]; anything more than that comes from the evil one.” (Matthew 5:37, AMP)
I know I’ve written about this context before, but it bears repeating. Do you give mixed messages? Is your communication garbled? If you were listening to you would you understand your message? You need to be aware not just of what you are saying but ‘how’ you say it. Your tone and body language also speak about your message.
There’s also another ‘requirement’:
“Do not let unwholesome [foul, profane, worthless, vulgar] words ever come out of your mouth, but only such speech as is good for building up others, according to the need and the occasion, so that it will be a blessing to those who hear [you speak].” (Ephesians 4:29, AMP)
Have you ever judged your message according to this standard? And no, that does not mean that you never say anything that could be interpreted as correction (2Timothy 3:16-17), because this is also important. In this case we have our standard – scripture. We always need to remember:
“But I tell you, on the day of judgment people will have to give an accounting for every careless or useless word they speak. For by your words [reflecting your spiritual condition] you will be justified and acquitted of the guilt of sin; and by your words [rejecting Me] you will be condemned and sentenced.” (Matthew 12:36-37, AMP)
Again, I realize that I have written on these verses, but too often we don’t apply them to our words. Words ARE important and just as important is how we present them. Words convey meaning.
Now before any of us goes to the other extreme, repeating – words ARE important. They tell us as well as others what we believe, who we believe, how we act on this. We are always an example to others and it IS based on both our words and actions. Actions confirm our words. Words provide impetus for our actions. They are critical for us to know what our motivations and intents are. Since they are foundational, we should act and speak from confidence. Do we? Do we really say what we mean?
